Analysts mixed about Apple's prospects for Beats
Even after Apple confirmed long-standing rumors that it planned to acquire Beats on Wednesday, industry analysts lacked any harmony in their impressions of the deal, with some singing its praises and some cracking sour notes.Morgan Stanley came out in favor of the $3 billion deal, saying a possible acquisition of the popular headphones business and subscription streaming music service was justified because of its low risk but potential for high return. Taking in to account Beats' 30 percent revenue growth and gross margin that is likely to best Apple's, Morgan Stanley said it viewed the acquisition's valuation as fair, especially given the potential for further revenue growth from pairing Beats with Apple's global distribution network."Subscription music service could make the deal a home run, with every 1% penetration of Apple's 800M account base equating to $960M of revenue," Morgan Stanley wrote. "Apple believes Beats offers the right strategy for streaming music as it leverages both algorithms and 200 human curators to create playlists, which differentiates it from competitors."RBC Capital Markets was also positive on the proposed deal, noting that Apple will acquire access to a leading music subscription service and the company's high-margin hardware business, which the analyst firm estimates to be sustaining more than 70 percent gross margins. But another key will be the acquisition of creative management talent in the form of Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre."In our view, the iTunes/music strategy, which has been challenged recently, could benefit from the new hires,"RBC Capital wrote. "Notably, Iovine was one of the first industry executives to anticipate the download business's decline and advocate for subscription and streaming services as music's future."While Wells Fargo Securities said it was willing to give Apple "some benefit of the doubt" based on its historical success, the analyst firm took a more bearish position.The analysts viewed the music-related acquisition as defensive and posited that "Apple should be focusing on more offensive assets to better position itself."RELATED STORIESApple finally confirms it's buying Beats for $3BApple iTunes head Cue and Beat's Iovine: Apple's going to put Beats on steroidsWoz on Beats: Apple's 'getting back to some cool roots'Noting that Beats' premium headphones business likely enjoys high margins, Wells Fargo Securities worried that the acquisition was a shortsighted effort to drive accessory revenue. The analyst said it saw more benefit in the opportunity the deal presented for growth in an ad business."However, we believe Beats lacks the scale Apple would need and, frankly, driving apps for plain old in-app banner ads is not the differentiation and innovation we expect Apple to bring to this model," Wells Fargo Securities wrote.Pointing out that the offer for Beats was by far Apple's acquisition, International Strategy & Investment Group also noted that the purchase price represented a little more than 2 percent of Apple's cash on hand. The analysts said they viewed the deal as a "head scratcher" but said there was potential for Beats' nascent music subscription service to give a boost to Apple's iTunes Radio offering. But in one of the odder concerns voiced Wednesday by analysts, ISIG suggested that Apple's new "spaceship" campus currently under construction would have to undergo a major architectural redesign to ensure talent retention. "Since 1996 and enacted through Proposition 215, medical marijuana has been legal in the state of California," the analyst firm wrote. "However, based on our knowledge, there are no plans to house a medical marijuana dispensary in AAPL's new 'spaceship' campus... Considering Dr. Dre's debut solo album in 1992 was called The Chronic (slang for powerful marijuana), AAPL may want to reconsider the construction plans."
iPad globe-trots, gets symphonic in new Apple ads
iPad globe-trots, gets symphonic in new Apple ads
Apple wants us to become well versed in the iPad Air's benefits. The company launched on Sundaytwo new ads for the iPad Air as part of its Your Verse campaign. The marketing push first launched in January with an ad that featured a snippet of a monologue by Robin Williams from "Dead Poet's Society." "The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse," Williams intoned in the first ad. Then he, and Apple, asked: "What will your verse be?" See alsoApple brilliantly waxes poetic in new iPad Air adApple’s iPad sales are not so magical after allCNET's take on the iPad Mini with Retina Display Apple is now answering that question with its new TV ads, slated to air during primetime viewing Sunday evening. Unlike the prior ad, the current spots don't feature any talking, aside from an example of a translation. Instead, classical music plays in the background as the subjects go about their daily lives -- using an iPad, of course. Like many of its ads, the new spots from Apple seem more like short films than marketing.One features Esa-Pekka Salonen, a classical music conductor and composer who works as the principal conductor and artistic adviser of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London and as conductor laureate of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Salonen composes music using an iPad Air as he travels from place to place. Thesecond features Cherie King, a travel writer who also happens to be deaf. She uses the tablet as she jets across the world, taking photos, translating conversations, making FaceTime calls, and composing her blog posts. "iPad has allowed me to become a more adventurous and spontaneous traveler," King said on Apple's site. "And I'm just getting started." For both, Apple has created 30-second and 60-second versions. Users also will be able to learn more about the subjects on Apple's website and through iTunes. Esa-Pekka Salonen uses his iPad Air to compose music in one of the latest ads from Apple.Apple The ads come as Apple faces a bit of aslowdown in iPad sales. The company sold 16.4 million iPads in its fiscal second quarter -- an amount that would be amazing for many tablet makers but was a disappointment for Apple. The company had sold 19.5 million iPads in the year-earlier quarter, and analysts had expected it to sell 19 million iPads this time around. The iPad is Apple's second biggest money maker after the iPhone and accounts for about a fifth of sales. iPad sales have been erratic over the past several quarters amid tougher competition and market saturation. Apple posted its biggest period ever in the holiday quarter ended December 28, with sales of 26 million iPads. However, that's one of only two quarters (out of the past five) that iPad demand rose. Shipments of the tablet, including the larger-screen iPad and the iPad Mini, have averaged a quarterly decline of 4 percent year-over-year since the June 2013 quarter. It's clear that the blockbuster days of 50-percent-plus growth are over, but what's troubling is whether growth will cease all together. Apple will kick off itsWorldwide Developers Conference on June 2. However, the company isn't expected to launch any new iPads at the event, instead following its recent plan for releasing new tablets in the fall. Apple iPad AirSee full gallery1 - 4 / 14NextPrev
Apple wants us to become well versed in the iPad Air's benefits. The company launched on Sundaytwo new ads for the iPad Air as part of its Your Verse campaign. The marketing push first launched in January with an ad that featured a snippet of a monologue by Robin Williams from "Dead Poet's Society." "The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse," Williams intoned in the first ad. Then he, and Apple, asked: "What will your verse be?" See alsoApple brilliantly waxes poetic in new iPad Air adApple’s iPad sales are not so magical after allCNET's take on the iPad Mini with Retina Display Apple is now answering that question with its new TV ads, slated to air during primetime viewing Sunday evening. Unlike the prior ad, the current spots don't feature any talking, aside from an example of a translation. Instead, classical music plays in the background as the subjects go about their daily lives -- using an iPad, of course. Like many of its ads, the new spots from Apple seem more like short films than marketing.One features Esa-Pekka Salonen, a classical music conductor and composer who works as the principal conductor and artistic adviser of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London and as conductor laureate of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Salonen composes music using an iPad Air as he travels from place to place. Thesecond features Cherie King, a travel writer who also happens to be deaf. She uses the tablet as she jets across the world, taking photos, translating conversations, making FaceTime calls, and composing her blog posts. "iPad has allowed me to become a more adventurous and spontaneous traveler," King said on Apple's site. "And I'm just getting started." For both, Apple has created 30-second and 60-second versions. Users also will be able to learn more about the subjects on Apple's website and through iTunes. Esa-Pekka Salonen uses his iPad Air to compose music in one of the latest ads from Apple.Apple The ads come as Apple faces a bit of aslowdown in iPad sales. The company sold 16.4 million iPads in its fiscal second quarter -- an amount that would be amazing for many tablet makers but was a disappointment for Apple. The company had sold 19.5 million iPads in the year-earlier quarter, and analysts had expected it to sell 19 million iPads this time around. The iPad is Apple's second biggest money maker after the iPhone and accounts for about a fifth of sales. iPad sales have been erratic over the past several quarters amid tougher competition and market saturation. Apple posted its biggest period ever in the holiday quarter ended December 28, with sales of 26 million iPads. However, that's one of only two quarters (out of the past five) that iPad demand rose. Shipments of the tablet, including the larger-screen iPad and the iPad Mini, have averaged a quarterly decline of 4 percent year-over-year since the June 2013 quarter. It's clear that the blockbuster days of 50-percent-plus growth are over, but what's troubling is whether growth will cease all together. Apple will kick off itsWorldwide Developers Conference on June 2. However, the company isn't expected to launch any new iPads at the event, instead following its recent plan for releasing new tablets in the fall. Apple iPad AirSee full gallery1 - 4 / 14NextPrev
Apple marketing chief jabs Android security on Twitter
Apple marketing chief jabs Android security on Twitter
Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller has been a semi-regular Twitter user since 2008, though mostly tweets about things like music, movies and sports.But that changed earlier today with a post linking to F-Secure Labs' latest quarterly Mobile Threat report, with a casual mention to "be safe out there." The 29-page report's (PDF) key finding is that malware on Google's Android is getting worse, in part because of the platform's brisk growth and a new variant of malware that spread using SMS."Android malware has been strengthening its position in the mobile threat scene," the report's executive summary said. "In the fourth quarter alone, 96 new families and variants of Android threats were discovered, which almost doubles the number recorded in the previous quarter."Apple's iOS, Blackberry and Windows Mobile were also targets for malware threats, but were typically a part of broader, multi-platform attacks, the report said. iOS has not been immune to security attacks, including recent exploits that allowed access to certain personal data through a secured lockscreen password. However it's been less prone to malware than rivals because there is no out of the box option to install software without going through Apple's App Store. Software that is submitted to Apple is scanned and goes through a human review before it goes live, a system designed to weed out malware. That system is not perfect though. Last June, security firm Kaspersky Lab discovered an app called "Find & Call," that turned out to be a trojan that uploaded a user's contact list to its servers. The app was yanked from both Apple and Google's digital stores, but not before some users downloaded it.Before the Find & Call incident, security researcher Charlie Miller published a proof of concept app that could grab unsigned code from third-party servers and add it to an app even after it was approved by Apple. Miller managed to slip it by Apple's security checks, though the move resulted in him getting his developer credentials revoked for a year. Schiller is not the only Apple exec to take to Twitter, an unusual habit for the very secretive company. He's joined by iTunes, iCloud and App Store boss Eddy Cue, who has published 33 tweets since early 2007. Apple's former iOS software chief Scott Forstall meanwhile has not tweeted once since joining the service in mid-2010, and continues to follow only one other user -- comedian Conan O'Brien. Be safe out there: f-secure.com/static/doc/lab...â€" Philip Schiller (@pschiller) March 7, 2013
Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller has been a semi-regular Twitter user since 2008, though mostly tweets about things like music, movies and sports.But that changed earlier today with a post linking to F-Secure Labs' latest quarterly Mobile Threat report, with a casual mention to "be safe out there." The 29-page report's (PDF) key finding is that malware on Google's Android is getting worse, in part because of the platform's brisk growth and a new variant of malware that spread using SMS."Android malware has been strengthening its position in the mobile threat scene," the report's executive summary said. "In the fourth quarter alone, 96 new families and variants of Android threats were discovered, which almost doubles the number recorded in the previous quarter."Apple's iOS, Blackberry and Windows Mobile were also targets for malware threats, but were typically a part of broader, multi-platform attacks, the report said. iOS has not been immune to security attacks, including recent exploits that allowed access to certain personal data through a secured lockscreen password. However it's been less prone to malware than rivals because there is no out of the box option to install software without going through Apple's App Store. Software that is submitted to Apple is scanned and goes through a human review before it goes live, a system designed to weed out malware. That system is not perfect though. Last June, security firm Kaspersky Lab discovered an app called "Find & Call," that turned out to be a trojan that uploaded a user's contact list to its servers. The app was yanked from both Apple and Google's digital stores, but not before some users downloaded it.Before the Find & Call incident, security researcher Charlie Miller published a proof of concept app that could grab unsigned code from third-party servers and add it to an app even after it was approved by Apple. Miller managed to slip it by Apple's security checks, though the move resulted in him getting his developer credentials revoked for a year. Schiller is not the only Apple exec to take to Twitter, an unusual habit for the very secretive company. He's joined by iTunes, iCloud and App Store boss Eddy Cue, who has published 33 tweets since early 2007. Apple's former iOS software chief Scott Forstall meanwhile has not tweeted once since joining the service in mid-2010, and continues to follow only one other user -- comedian Conan O'Brien. Be safe out there: f-secure.com/static/doc/lab...â€" Philip Schiller (@pschiller) March 7, 2013
Secunia- Apple software has the most holes
Secunia: Apple software has the most holes
This analysis also supports the general perception that a high market share correlates with a high number of vulnerabilities--with Apple (maker of iTunes and QuickTime), Microsoft (Windows, Internet Explorer), and Oracle's Sun Microsystems (Java) consistently occupying the top ranks during the last five years, along with Adobe Systems (Acrobat Reader, Flash), which joined the group in 2008.Mac OS has remained relatively untouched by major viruses and hacking efforts in the past, as most ne'er-do-wells may have considered the operating system's market share and thus potential for private information less enticing than those of Microsoft's Windows. With the rise of Mac market share and the popularity of the iPhone, however, there is little doubt that Apple platforms will become major malware targets in the near future.Highlights from the report:Ten vendors, including Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, IBM, Adobe, and Cisco Systems, account, on average, for 38 percent of all vulnerabilities disclosed per year.In the two years from 2007 to 2009, the number of vulnerabilities affecting a typical end-user PC almost doubled from 220 to 420, and based on the data of the first six months of 2010, the number is expected to almost double again in 2010, to 760.During the first six months of 2010, 380 vulnerabilities, or 89 percent of the figures for all of 2009, has already been reported.A typical end-user PC with 50 programs installed had 3.5 times more vulnerabilities in the 24 third-party programs installed than in the 26 Microsoft programs installed. It is expected that this ratio will increase to 4.4 in 2010.While not particularly surprising, it's a bit depressing to think that the multibillion-dollar security software industry continues to be so easily thwarted by bad guys. If there is one positive takeaway from the report, it's that since 2005, there has been no significant upward or downward trend in the total number of vulnerabilities in the more than 29,000 products monitored by Secunia. Maybe flat is the best we can hope for?
This analysis also supports the general perception that a high market share correlates with a high number of vulnerabilities--with Apple (maker of iTunes and QuickTime), Microsoft (Windows, Internet Explorer), and Oracle's Sun Microsystems (Java) consistently occupying the top ranks during the last five years, along with Adobe Systems (Acrobat Reader, Flash), which joined the group in 2008.Mac OS has remained relatively untouched by major viruses and hacking efforts in the past, as most ne'er-do-wells may have considered the operating system's market share and thus potential for private information less enticing than those of Microsoft's Windows. With the rise of Mac market share and the popularity of the iPhone, however, there is little doubt that Apple platforms will become major malware targets in the near future.Highlights from the report:Ten vendors, including Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, IBM, Adobe, and Cisco Systems, account, on average, for 38 percent of all vulnerabilities disclosed per year.In the two years from 2007 to 2009, the number of vulnerabilities affecting a typical end-user PC almost doubled from 220 to 420, and based on the data of the first six months of 2010, the number is expected to almost double again in 2010, to 760.During the first six months of 2010, 380 vulnerabilities, or 89 percent of the figures for all of 2009, has already been reported.A typical end-user PC with 50 programs installed had 3.5 times more vulnerabilities in the 24 third-party programs installed than in the 26 Microsoft programs installed. It is expected that this ratio will increase to 4.4 in 2010.While not particularly surprising, it's a bit depressing to think that the multibillion-dollar security software industry continues to be so easily thwarted by bad guys. If there is one positive takeaway from the report, it's that since 2005, there has been no significant upward or downward trend in the total number of vulnerabilities in the more than 29,000 products monitored by Secunia. Maybe flat is the best we can hope for?
How to use Capture to start recording iPhone video fast
How to use Capture to start recording iPhone video fast
Capture -- The Quick Video Camera is an iOS app that is so easy to use that it hardly requires a post outlining how to use it. Briefly, when you launch the app, it starts recording video. Press your iPhone's Home button to stop recording. The app loads more quickly than the iPhone's native camera app, and it saves you from fumbling with the slider between taking photos or videos.With the instructional portion of this how to post out of the way, let me tell you that the app is currently free but only for a limited time. Standard pricing: 99 cents.Also, let me explain how it differs from Swift, another instant-video-recording app I covered earlier this year. With Swift, videos get saved to your Camera Roll, but with Capture, you can bypass your Camera Roll and share videos via iTunes file Sharing. Both apps, it should be noted, offer roughly the same speed at starting a video. They begin recording about 2 or 3 seconds after you tap the app icon to launch the app.Launch the app and it starts recording.Screenshot by Matt ElliottTo enable iTunes File Sharing, go to Settings on your iPhone and scroll down until you see Capture listed among your app. Tap on it and then at the bottom of the screen, move the slider to off for Save To Camera Roll. This will keep you Camera Roll from being cluttered with videos and will let you easily save them via iTunes to your PC or Mac for editing, posting to a blog, or simply storage.In iTunes, you can save videos recorded with Capture.Screenshot by Matt ElliottThen in iTunes, choose your iOS device from the left panel, click on Apps from the top row of menu options, and scroll down to the File Sharing area. You'll see Capture listed among the app that support iTunes File Sharing. Click on Capture and you'll see the videos you've taken with the app. Highlight a video and then click the "Save to..." button to save the file your your computer. Screenshot by Matt ElliottOther options available in settings let you set the orientation (including autodetect) and video quality (high, medium, and low) and choose between the rear- and front-facing camera.
Capture -- The Quick Video Camera is an iOS app that is so easy to use that it hardly requires a post outlining how to use it. Briefly, when you launch the app, it starts recording video. Press your iPhone's Home button to stop recording. The app loads more quickly than the iPhone's native camera app, and it saves you from fumbling with the slider between taking photos or videos.With the instructional portion of this how to post out of the way, let me tell you that the app is currently free but only for a limited time. Standard pricing: 99 cents.Also, let me explain how it differs from Swift, another instant-video-recording app I covered earlier this year. With Swift, videos get saved to your Camera Roll, but with Capture, you can bypass your Camera Roll and share videos via iTunes file Sharing. Both apps, it should be noted, offer roughly the same speed at starting a video. They begin recording about 2 or 3 seconds after you tap the app icon to launch the app.Launch the app and it starts recording.Screenshot by Matt ElliottTo enable iTunes File Sharing, go to Settings on your iPhone and scroll down until you see Capture listed among your app. Tap on it and then at the bottom of the screen, move the slider to off for Save To Camera Roll. This will keep you Camera Roll from being cluttered with videos and will let you easily save them via iTunes to your PC or Mac for editing, posting to a blog, or simply storage.In iTunes, you can save videos recorded with Capture.Screenshot by Matt ElliottThen in iTunes, choose your iOS device from the left panel, click on Apps from the top row of menu options, and scroll down to the File Sharing area. You'll see Capture listed among the app that support iTunes File Sharing. Click on Capture and you'll see the videos you've taken with the app. Highlight a video and then click the "Save to..." button to save the file your your computer. Screenshot by Matt ElliottOther options available in settings let you set the orientation (including autodetect) and video quality (high, medium, and low) and choose between the rear- and front-facing camera.
The iPad's new engine- The A5 chip
The iPad's new engine: The A5 chip
Apple is not only touting that the iPad 2 will be the first dual-core tablet to ship in volume but also making a lot of noise about the '9X' improvement in graphics processing.AppleBut Apple isn't being shy about the boost in performance--and analysts are duly impressed."Nine times faster graphics is a reasonable marketing number," said Joe Byrne, an analyst at The Linley Group, a chip consulting firm."For iPad owners, this means games that are a better match for the larger screen size...appear much better. There's enough potential iPad volume to justify [game] developers' extra investment," he said. All of this is not good news for Motorola, whose Xoom tablet, which began shipping last month, was the first dual-core tablet from a top-tier supplier. "I don't think anybody else has a fighting chance in this market," said Kumar, referring to Apple's dominance."I think this is the first dual-core tablet to ship in volume," said Jobs.And he may not be far off the mark, considering Apple's ability to ramp up large volumes very quickly. The A5 follows a hugely popular A4 chip."Driven by the soaring sales of products including the iPad and the iPhone 4, Apple's shipments of products based on its A4 microprocessor reached nearly 50 million units in 2010 from virtually zero sales in 2009," IHS iSuppli said.
Apple is not only touting that the iPad 2 will be the first dual-core tablet to ship in volume but also making a lot of noise about the '9X' improvement in graphics processing.AppleBut Apple isn't being shy about the boost in performance--and analysts are duly impressed."Nine times faster graphics is a reasonable marketing number," said Joe Byrne, an analyst at The Linley Group, a chip consulting firm."For iPad owners, this means games that are a better match for the larger screen size...appear much better. There's enough potential iPad volume to justify [game] developers' extra investment," he said. All of this is not good news for Motorola, whose Xoom tablet, which began shipping last month, was the first dual-core tablet from a top-tier supplier. "I don't think anybody else has a fighting chance in this market," said Kumar, referring to Apple's dominance."I think this is the first dual-core tablet to ship in volume," said Jobs.And he may not be far off the mark, considering Apple's ability to ramp up large volumes very quickly. The A5 follows a hugely popular A4 chip."Driven by the soaring sales of products including the iPad and the iPhone 4, Apple's shipments of products based on its A4 microprocessor reached nearly 50 million units in 2010 from virtually zero sales in 2009," IHS iSuppli said.
The iPad evolved- Four killer features
The iPad evolved: Four killer features
A previous post notwithstanding, the iPad 3G has finally become, practically speaking, what it is: a tweener device, but one staking out distinct territory between a smartphone and a laptop. 3G and weight: these, I have come to realize, are two of its best features.Thanks to 3G and its gossamery 1.5-pound portability, I can whip it out anywhere and work, navigate with the GPS, or just relax.And I am doing this with increasing regularity sans laptop.Always on, always connected: The fact that it's always on, always connected--like a smartphone--makes it the device of choice to grab when moving from room to room inside the house: for watching movies, reading, shopping online, or using it as a phone via Skype.(And another reason why it's great on the road, too.)Battery life: Typically, the iPad lasts on one charge for more than one day, often two days (sometimes three) with regular use.That is amazing.My MacBook Air lasts little more than an afternoon.That alone makes the iPad more practical than a laptop, at times, when I'm on the road.All of the above also poses an interesting philosophical question about the merits of traditional laptops versus tablets/slates. But I'll leave that discussion for another day.
A previous post notwithstanding, the iPad 3G has finally become, practically speaking, what it is: a tweener device, but one staking out distinct territory between a smartphone and a laptop. 3G and weight: these, I have come to realize, are two of its best features.Thanks to 3G and its gossamery 1.5-pound portability, I can whip it out anywhere and work, navigate with the GPS, or just relax.And I am doing this with increasing regularity sans laptop.Always on, always connected: The fact that it's always on, always connected--like a smartphone--makes it the device of choice to grab when moving from room to room inside the house: for watching movies, reading, shopping online, or using it as a phone via Skype.(And another reason why it's great on the road, too.)Battery life: Typically, the iPad lasts on one charge for more than one day, often two days (sometimes three) with regular use.That is amazing.My MacBook Air lasts little more than an afternoon.That alone makes the iPad more practical than a laptop, at times, when I'm on the road.All of the above also poses an interesting philosophical question about the merits of traditional laptops versus tablets/slates. But I'll leave that discussion for another day.
Apple wins patent for iTunes Store user interface
Apple wins patent for iTunes Store user interface
Apple has won a patent for the look and feel of its iTunes Store.The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today published patent 8,161,411 related to a "graphical user interface for browsing, searching, and presenting media items." Apple filed for the patent back in 2004, when the online retail venue was still known as the iTunes Music Store.The patent appears to be quite broad, but focuses solely on the graphical user interface, and not the way in which people might buy songs on the platform or its general functionality. That said, the patent abstract says that the user interface is "suitable for previewing or purchasing media items in an on-line manner."Related storiesiTunes Store could be slated for a major overhaul this yearApple counting down to 25 billion app downloadsCNET's review of Apple's new iPadCNET's review of the Apple iPhone 4SSince the patent application was filed with the USPTO, Apple's iTunes Store has undergone a host of changes. When it first launched, it provided users with music downloads, but over the last several years, as Apple's digital focus has expanded, the marketplace has added movies, television shows, and more. The platform has also been ported from the desktop to mobile devices, including the iPod and iPhone.Over that period, Apple's store has watched its popularity skyrocket, and become the world's largest music store. Apple's App Store, which is built into iTunes on the desktop, has become the top destination for developers and those looking for mobile applications. Simply put, iTunes has become a juggernaut.But now that Apple has secured its user interface patent, it might be changing things. In February, 9to5Mac reported, citing sources, that Apple is planning to redesign the iTunes Store and App Store, with a launch set for sometime later this year. The improvements would offer a "much more engaging experience," and make it simpler for users to find the content they desire.(Via Patently Apple)
Apple has won a patent for the look and feel of its iTunes Store.The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today published patent 8,161,411 related to a "graphical user interface for browsing, searching, and presenting media items." Apple filed for the patent back in 2004, when the online retail venue was still known as the iTunes Music Store.The patent appears to be quite broad, but focuses solely on the graphical user interface, and not the way in which people might buy songs on the platform or its general functionality. That said, the patent abstract says that the user interface is "suitable for previewing or purchasing media items in an on-line manner."Related storiesiTunes Store could be slated for a major overhaul this yearApple counting down to 25 billion app downloadsCNET's review of Apple's new iPadCNET's review of the Apple iPhone 4SSince the patent application was filed with the USPTO, Apple's iTunes Store has undergone a host of changes. When it first launched, it provided users with music downloads, but over the last several years, as Apple's digital focus has expanded, the marketplace has added movies, television shows, and more. The platform has also been ported from the desktop to mobile devices, including the iPod and iPhone.Over that period, Apple's store has watched its popularity skyrocket, and become the world's largest music store. Apple's App Store, which is built into iTunes on the desktop, has become the top destination for developers and those looking for mobile applications. Simply put, iTunes has become a juggernaut.But now that Apple has secured its user interface patent, it might be changing things. In February, 9to5Mac reported, citing sources, that Apple is planning to redesign the iTunes Store and App Store, with a launch set for sometime later this year. The improvements would offer a "much more engaging experience," and make it simpler for users to find the content they desire.(Via Patently Apple)
Apple wins patent for 4G MacBook connectivity
Apple wins patent for 4G MacBook connectivity
A new patent Apple has been awarded seems to hint that the company is considering bringing 4G connectivity to its MacBook line.The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today published a patent Apple won related to the way in which a 4G antenna is housed in a laptop. The invention describes how a 4G antenna can be hidden in a "conductive cavity" located behind the upper bezel around the computer's screen.Apple argues that the placement of the antenna at the top of the computer can enhance the likelihood of securing a strong signal, though the company did leave it open to placing the antenna in other cavities around the device.Patently Apple was first to report on the patent.Related storiesThe wait for a Mac with 3G/4G continuesApple wants its 3G MacBook prototype backApple secures 25 patents, including iMac, iPad Smart CoverApple wins patent for iTunes Store user interfaceFor years now, rumors have suggested that Apple is at least considering bundling mobile connectivity with its notebook line. Last year, a North Carolina man came across an Apple prototype notebook featuring an antenna that allowed users to connect to 3G networks. Soon after trying to sell it on eBay, Apple demanded its prototype back, prompting some to wonder if mobile connectivity would indeed make its way to its MacBook line.Although the patent might lend some hope to those who believe Apple will launch 4G connectivity in the MacBook, patents are by no means a smoking gun. Major companies like Apple file for a host of patents every year, and in many cases, never end up using the technology they develop. This could very well end up in that bin.Beyond that, Patently Apple found that the iPhone maker secured a host of other patents today, including one related to event processing of Web pages in iOS. Apple also was awarded six design patents related to an iPad keyboard dock, the iPad Nano's display module, and others.Apple declined CNET's request for comment on the patent.
A new patent Apple has been awarded seems to hint that the company is considering bringing 4G connectivity to its MacBook line.The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today published a patent Apple won related to the way in which a 4G antenna is housed in a laptop. The invention describes how a 4G antenna can be hidden in a "conductive cavity" located behind the upper bezel around the computer's screen.Apple argues that the placement of the antenna at the top of the computer can enhance the likelihood of securing a strong signal, though the company did leave it open to placing the antenna in other cavities around the device.Patently Apple was first to report on the patent.Related storiesThe wait for a Mac with 3G/4G continuesApple wants its 3G MacBook prototype backApple secures 25 patents, including iMac, iPad Smart CoverApple wins patent for iTunes Store user interfaceFor years now, rumors have suggested that Apple is at least considering bundling mobile connectivity with its notebook line. Last year, a North Carolina man came across an Apple prototype notebook featuring an antenna that allowed users to connect to 3G networks. Soon after trying to sell it on eBay, Apple demanded its prototype back, prompting some to wonder if mobile connectivity would indeed make its way to its MacBook line.Although the patent might lend some hope to those who believe Apple will launch 4G connectivity in the MacBook, patents are by no means a smoking gun. Major companies like Apple file for a host of patents every year, and in many cases, never end up using the technology they develop. This could very well end up in that bin.Beyond that, Patently Apple found that the iPhone maker secured a host of other patents today, including one related to event processing of Web pages in iOS. Apple also was awarded six design patents related to an iPad keyboard dock, the iPad Nano's display module, and others.Apple declined CNET's request for comment on the patent.
Apple muting Siri on older devices-
Apple muting Siri on older devices?
Apple has no current plans to make the Siri voice assistant available on older iOS devices, according to atip reported to developer Michael Steeber. Siri, which was released as an exclusive beta to the iPhone 4S, uses the built-in microphone to take user commands and turn them into actions on the phone. That includes actions that make use of a network connection, like searching the Web, setting reminders, and checking stock prices.A tipster told Steeber that when he contacted Apple with a bug report, he also suggested Apple make available an optional build of iOS with Siri included as a paid upgrade: "iPhone 4 Users and iPod touch 4th generation users pay a fee of 19.99 to upgrade to a 'special' build of iOS 5.0.1 with Siri Final in it, (To avoid hackers hacking Siri onto non 4S devices illegally) **Many iPhone 4 Users and iPod touch 4th generation Users will pay for this special iOS build (5.0.1) which will enable Siri for a fee of $19.99 US dollars."Apple's engineers responded by saying: "Siri only works on iPhone 4S and we currently have no plans to support older devices."Apple representatives did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment, but certainly this is the type of information that should be taken with a grain of salt. Engineers may not be authorized to speak in an official capacity for the company, but one must suspect that they would know what direction the company was heading with a software product--although the employees who field customer bug queries might not be as informed as the department heads.The company says it plans to add support for additional languages, as well as bringing over some U.S. only features like maps and local search sometime next year.
Apple has no current plans to make the Siri voice assistant available on older iOS devices, according to atip reported to developer Michael Steeber. Siri, which was released as an exclusive beta to the iPhone 4S, uses the built-in microphone to take user commands and turn them into actions on the phone. That includes actions that make use of a network connection, like searching the Web, setting reminders, and checking stock prices.A tipster told Steeber that when he contacted Apple with a bug report, he also suggested Apple make available an optional build of iOS with Siri included as a paid upgrade: "iPhone 4 Users and iPod touch 4th generation users pay a fee of 19.99 to upgrade to a 'special' build of iOS 5.0.1 with Siri Final in it, (To avoid hackers hacking Siri onto non 4S devices illegally) **Many iPhone 4 Users and iPod touch 4th generation Users will pay for this special iOS build (5.0.1) which will enable Siri for a fee of $19.99 US dollars."Apple's engineers responded by saying: "Siri only works on iPhone 4S and we currently have no plans to support older devices."Apple representatives did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment, but certainly this is the type of information that should be taken with a grain of salt. Engineers may not be authorized to speak in an official capacity for the company, but one must suspect that they would know what direction the company was heading with a software product--although the employees who field customer bug queries might not be as informed as the department heads.The company says it plans to add support for additional languages, as well as bringing over some U.S. only features like maps and local search sometime next year.
Apple mum on 'record' iPad launch numbers
Apple mum on 'record' iPad launch numbers
How many iPads did Apple sell over the weekend?There is no official tally as of yet, but the company has already outed the device as setting a new record. During this morning's conference call in which the company announced a dividend and a stock buy-back program, Apple CEO Tim Cook was asked by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster about sales of the company's latest iPad, which was released Friday."We had a record weekend, and we're thrilled with it," Cook said.Whether that's a record by iPad standards or of any Apple product remains to be seen. Days after launching the iPhone 4S in October Apple announced having sold 4 million of the devices, more than twice as many as the previous generation of the device. By comparison, Apple kept silent about launch numbers from last year's second-generation iPad, leaving details about unit sales until its closest earnings call. Related storiesCNET Review: Apple's new iPadApple mum on 'record' iPad launch numbersHow Apple keeps them lining upApple taps $100B cash pile to pay dividend, buy back stockFollowing the company's earnings announcement about the news this morning, AT&T said hit reached a new single-day record in iPad sales and activations.Ahead of last week's launch, Apple sold out of units online, with wait times for new buyers stretching out two to three weeks. Apple responded by saying that "customer response to the new iPad has been off the charts."In a note to investors last week, Munster said the firm expected Apple to sell more than 1 million iPads in the launch weekend. That estimate was based on strong preorders and the scale of the launch, which included a dozen countries.Apple has sold more than 55 million iPads since launching it in 2010. The company sold 15.43 million in its most recently reported fiscal quarter, which ended in December. Updated at 8:54 a.m. PT with note on AT&T iPad activations.
How many iPads did Apple sell over the weekend?There is no official tally as of yet, but the company has already outed the device as setting a new record. During this morning's conference call in which the company announced a dividend and a stock buy-back program, Apple CEO Tim Cook was asked by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster about sales of the company's latest iPad, which was released Friday."We had a record weekend, and we're thrilled with it," Cook said.Whether that's a record by iPad standards or of any Apple product remains to be seen. Days after launching the iPhone 4S in October Apple announced having sold 4 million of the devices, more than twice as many as the previous generation of the device. By comparison, Apple kept silent about launch numbers from last year's second-generation iPad, leaving details about unit sales until its closest earnings call. Related storiesCNET Review: Apple's new iPadApple mum on 'record' iPad launch numbersHow Apple keeps them lining upApple taps $100B cash pile to pay dividend, buy back stockFollowing the company's earnings announcement about the news this morning, AT&T said hit reached a new single-day record in iPad sales and activations.Ahead of last week's launch, Apple sold out of units online, with wait times for new buyers stretching out two to three weeks. Apple responded by saying that "customer response to the new iPad has been off the charts."In a note to investors last week, Munster said the firm expected Apple to sell more than 1 million iPads in the launch weekend. That estimate was based on strong preorders and the scale of the launch, which included a dozen countries.Apple has sold more than 55 million iPads since launching it in 2010. The company sold 15.43 million in its most recently reported fiscal quarter, which ended in December. Updated at 8:54 a.m. PT with note on AT&T iPad activations.
Apple moves to trademark 'iPad Mini' in the U.S.
Apple moves to trademark 'iPad Mini' in the U.S.
Apple has applied for a trademark on the "iPad Mini" brand.The company filed the trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week. In the application, Apple describes its tablet as a full-featured slate, offering everything from Web connectivity to calendaring.Here's Apple's description of its tablet: A "handheld mobile digital electronic device comprising a tablet computer, electronic book and periodical reader, digital audio and video player, camera, electronic personal organizer, personal digital assistant, electronic calendar, and mapping and global positioning system (GPS) device, and capable of providing access to the Internet and sending, receiving, and storing messages and other data."Apple announced its iPad Mini last month and launched it earlier this month. The tablet comes with a 7.9-inch display and runs Apple's iOS platform. The iPad Mini starts at $329 for the 16GB, Wi-Fi-only model. Last week, Apple launched the 4G LTE-equipped option, which starts at $459.With the U.S. filing now complete, Apple has its bases well-covered on the iPad Mini's branding. According to Patently Apple, which was first to discover the trademark application, Apple filed for trademark protection on the iPad Mini branding earlier this month in Europe and Canada.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple has applied for a trademark on the "iPad Mini" brand.The company filed the trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week. In the application, Apple describes its tablet as a full-featured slate, offering everything from Web connectivity to calendaring.Here's Apple's description of its tablet: A "handheld mobile digital electronic device comprising a tablet computer, electronic book and periodical reader, digital audio and video player, camera, electronic personal organizer, personal digital assistant, electronic calendar, and mapping and global positioning system (GPS) device, and capable of providing access to the Internet and sending, receiving, and storing messages and other data."Apple announced its iPad Mini last month and launched it earlier this month. The tablet comes with a 7.9-inch display and runs Apple's iOS platform. The iPad Mini starts at $329 for the 16GB, Wi-Fi-only model. Last week, Apple launched the 4G LTE-equipped option, which starts at $459.With the U.S. filing now complete, Apple has its bases well-covered on the iPad Mini's branding. According to Patently Apple, which was first to discover the trademark application, Apple filed for trademark protection on the iPad Mini branding earlier this month in Europe and Canada.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple 'more flexible' under Tim Cook, says telecom chief
Apple 'more flexible' under Tim Cook, says telecom chief
Apple has become easier to do business with under Tim Cook's leadership, according to the chief at one major European wireless carrier."Apple has [become] more flexible, paying more attention to everyone else, probably a little less arrogant than they used to be," France Telecom-Orange CEO Stephane Richard told reporters today in Barcelona, Spain. According to All Things D, Richard compared today's company with the one led two years ago by Steve Jobs, saying, "I think they are probably a little more under pressure, and it is quite nice."Indeed, Jobs was not a big fan of wireless carriers and had looked for a way to cut them out of the picture. The late Apple co-founder spent two years leading up to the release of the first iPhone trying to figure out how to turn Wi-Fi spectrum into a network that users could make phone calls on, as opposed to relying on carriers to get the job done.Related storiesApple earnings jump 50 percentApple event countdown brings new rumorsApple tablet iRoundup: The good, the bad, the uglyJobs eventually gave up the idea in 2007 and formed exclusive lucrative partnerships with AT&T in the U.S. and other carriers around the world. Since then, Apple has expanded its deals with other carriers, including Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, and C Spire Wireless in the U.S.Richard also said the wireless sector was growing too crowded to support market leaders iOS and Android, as well as challenges from Mozilla, Microsoft, and BlackBerry."There is probably not room for everyone," Richard said. "But all of us hope that among those initiatives, at least one will be able to emerge as a third ecosystem."
Apple has become easier to do business with under Tim Cook's leadership, according to the chief at one major European wireless carrier."Apple has [become] more flexible, paying more attention to everyone else, probably a little less arrogant than they used to be," France Telecom-Orange CEO Stephane Richard told reporters today in Barcelona, Spain. According to All Things D, Richard compared today's company with the one led two years ago by Steve Jobs, saying, "I think they are probably a little more under pressure, and it is quite nice."Indeed, Jobs was not a big fan of wireless carriers and had looked for a way to cut them out of the picture. The late Apple co-founder spent two years leading up to the release of the first iPhone trying to figure out how to turn Wi-Fi spectrum into a network that users could make phone calls on, as opposed to relying on carriers to get the job done.Related storiesApple earnings jump 50 percentApple event countdown brings new rumorsApple tablet iRoundup: The good, the bad, the uglyJobs eventually gave up the idea in 2007 and formed exclusive lucrative partnerships with AT&T in the U.S. and other carriers around the world. Since then, Apple has expanded its deals with other carriers, including Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, and C Spire Wireless in the U.S.Richard also said the wireless sector was growing too crowded to support market leaders iOS and Android, as well as challenges from Mozilla, Microsoft, and BlackBerry."There is probably not room for everyone," Richard said. "But all of us hope that among those initiatives, at least one will be able to emerge as a third ecosystem."
Apple mobile ads taking share from Google, Microsoft
Apple mobile ads taking share from Google, Microsoft
One of the newcomers to mobile advertising is making its presence felt quickly.Today Bloomberg BusinessWeek published some estimates of how the mobile-advertising industry will look at the end of 2010, and just a few months since Apple's iAds debut it's taking share from mobile-advertising leaders Google, Microsoft, and others.According to IDC, Apple will close out 2010 with a 21 percent share of the mobile-ad market. That will tie Google, which will drop to 21 percent from last year's 27 percent share. Microsoft's share will sink from 10 percent in 2009 to 7 percent this year, Yahoo will dip from 12 percent to 9 percent, and Nokia from 5 percent to 2 percent. Mobile advertising in the U.S. will double from last year to $500 million, according to estimates from IDC.Google's share is combined with AdMob's, which it purchased this year, but doesn't sound worried about Apple's growing presence on its mobile-ad turf, saying that "if it is losing share, this market is growing faster than any one we've seen." The implication is that it is still expanding the business and making money even if its total share of the pie is smaller.Apple didn't have a mobile-ad business this time last year, but it purchased Quattro Wireless earlier this year, which had a 9 percent share in 2009. iAds went live on July 1, with 17 brands purchasing interactive, in-app ads for iOS devices. The number of brands has since doubled, Apple told BusinessWeek. But will Steve Jobs' June prediction that iAds would account for halfof the mobile-advertising dollars ($60 million) spent in the U.S. by year's end come true? IDC calls that "wishful thinking."
One of the newcomers to mobile advertising is making its presence felt quickly.Today Bloomberg BusinessWeek published some estimates of how the mobile-advertising industry will look at the end of 2010, and just a few months since Apple's iAds debut it's taking share from mobile-advertising leaders Google, Microsoft, and others.According to IDC, Apple will close out 2010 with a 21 percent share of the mobile-ad market. That will tie Google, which will drop to 21 percent from last year's 27 percent share. Microsoft's share will sink from 10 percent in 2009 to 7 percent this year, Yahoo will dip from 12 percent to 9 percent, and Nokia from 5 percent to 2 percent. Mobile advertising in the U.S. will double from last year to $500 million, according to estimates from IDC.Google's share is combined with AdMob's, which it purchased this year, but doesn't sound worried about Apple's growing presence on its mobile-ad turf, saying that "if it is losing share, this market is growing faster than any one we've seen." The implication is that it is still expanding the business and making money even if its total share of the pie is smaller.Apple didn't have a mobile-ad business this time last year, but it purchased Quattro Wireless earlier this year, which had a 9 percent share in 2009. iAds went live on July 1, with 17 brands purchasing interactive, in-app ads for iOS devices. The number of brands has since doubled, Apple told BusinessWeek. But will Steve Jobs' June prediction that iAds would account for halfof the mobile-advertising dollars ($60 million) spent in the U.S. by year's end come true? IDC calls that "wishful thinking."
Apple CEO Cook: If we don't innovate, we'll end up like Nokia
Innovation stands at the center of Apple's plans for the future, CEO Tim Cook tells Bloomberg.In an interview published Thursday, Cook said Nokia's fall from grace as a dominant force in mobile to an also-ran is a warning to every company competing in the industry. "I think [Nokia] is a reminder to everyone in business that you have to keep innovating and that to not innovate is to die," Cook told Bloomberg.Deciding what is true innovation and what is a bore, however, may be a bit more difficult for Apple than in the past. After announcing new iPhones last week, Apple's shares fell on Wall Street, indicating that investors weren't particularly excited about what they saw. Cook told Bloomberg that he wasn't pleased with Wall Street's reaction to the iPhones, adding that it makes him question what's next."You have to bring yourself back to, 'Are you doing the right things?'" Cook told Bloomberg. "And so that's what I focus on, instead of letting somebody else or a thing like the market define how I should feel."
Apple celebrates 10 years of iTunes
Apple on Wednesday started celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its iTunes store.When users head to the iTunes Store, they'll find a new feature called "A Decade of iTunes." The reason? Simple: on April 28, Apple will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the iTunes store.Related storiesDialed in 110: Lessons for Android (podcast)The 404 Podcast 498: Where Jeff battles the TriadBuzz Out Loud Podcast 1145: China to Google: Suck itNutsie brings iTunes to Android via the cloudThe Real Deal 193: Road Test - CES edition (podcast)The feature allows users to browse a timeline of stories and the events that got iTunes to its place today. Things kick off with 2003 and the events that marked that year for iTunes. Users can then move their way through subsequent years and get glimpses of the way the store looked at different points in time. Apple also offered up some images of the products that were successful during those years.Apple has also shared the top-selling songs for each decade, making it easy for folks to download tracks that were popular in those years.One interesting note: Apple's iTunes store launched on April 28, 2003 with only 200,000 songs available. According to Apple, the top-selling song that day was U2's "Stuck in a Moment," and the top-selling album was Beck's "Sea Change."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)